Hospital executives worried about financial viability without vaccine

Editor's Note

A Kaufman Hall survey released October 19 finds that nearly 75% of hospital executives are “extremely” or “moderately” worried about their organizations’ financial viability without a COVID-19 vaccine.

One third say year-over-year operating margins dropped more than 100% in the second quarter. The only specialty area that a majority of respondents say has recovered to more than 90% of pre-COVID-19 levels is oncology.

Respondents also note that the greatest percentage increase in expense costs are related to PPE and nurse staffing.

The report findings are based on 64 responses to an August survey. Respondents were from seven different health systems throughout the US. The majority of respondents were in executive leadership or finance roles.